Monday 14 March 2011

Of Masts and Spars and being Purely Representational

Whilst building the latest batch of models for my ACW set up I have been experimenting with constructing masts and spars for some of the Gulf based blue water ships. Initially I made a simple brig rig and then a Lateen type. I used the only cocktail sticks I had available which are made from bamboo. They are a little on the thick side but the basic technique appears so far to be pretty sound. Basically I gently filed a groove in the mast where the spar needed to be mounted. I then filed a corresponding groove on the mast so that the surface to be glued was square. This took a little experimentation but I managed to get this to go together quite easily. I used Uhu contact adhesive and then 'flooded' the join with some super glue. It appears to fairly robust and so I will try this with some square rigged masts.

Should this be successful then the implications for my modelling tray are profound as this will open up a whole range of periods I can tackle on a scratch built basis. The Lateen sail is perhaps a clue as to where my thoughts are heading....;-)

I realise that many gamers will ask themselves why? Why bother when the models are available from XYZ Models limited? The simple truth is that I am enjoying the 'old school-ness' of making my own kit and this is just another facet of the hobby I can really enjoy. It takes me back to the days of being an impoverished student and the irony is that way back then I was probably of the opposite view and would have rather purchased the latest and most detailed range of figures available (and probably did!)! I genuinely believe that many of the models we take for granted now are really superbly detailed works of art and as such are beyond my modest talents in terms of painting etc. At table ranges models are effectively markers and close up they are, well models and I believe they should be treated as such.

I am as impressed as the next man at some of the moving dioramas we see at wargames shows and adorning the pages of our magazines and I have nothing but my admiration for those that choose that path of detail. Its not for me though, hence my home made and purely representational approach.

Vive la Difference I say!

10 comments:

Robert (Bob) Cordery said...

David,

A nicely reasoned argument for more DIY in wargaming.

I also think that there is a lot of satisfaction to be got from saying 'I made those'.

All the best,

Bob

David Crook said...

Hi Bob,

Right on both counts! I cant see me scratchbuilding figures though although I do recall and article many years ago written by a chap that made wargames figures out of Fimo - the oven baked modelling clay!

I think I will stick to anything non organic for the time being....;-)

All the best,

DC

Conrad Kinch said...

Your public demand pictures!

David Crook said...

Hi CK,

I am happy to oblige where I am able - what did you have in mind?

All the best,

DC

Conrad Kinch said...

I'd be interested to see the new mast arrangements. I can't imagine they are easy to do.

David Crook said...

Hi CK,

The masts appear to be easy enough but I have yet to add any sails - furled or otherwise. I will post pictures of the same after I have tackled a square rig. Assuming all is well that should be in a few days or so. BTW, I have no plans at the moment about tackling rigging!

All the best,

DC

Peter Douglas said...

Looking forward to seeing your results, I agree with your approach and like the "dorky home made" look myself. As for rigging, sometimes a hint of rigging works well sometimes you're just fine without.

As with all things remember the 2 foot rule - if the detail/problem doesn't stand out from 2' away there's no need to get bothered over it.

David Crook said...

Hi PD,

It takes a leap of faith these days to unleash a homebuilt collection on the unsuspecting public (and I must confess to having the odd doubt myself!)but I have now happily gone past the stage of worrying about how they will be received!

Good call re the rigging - I may experiment with that and see what comes out.

All the best,

DC

Peter Douglas said...

DC

Full speed ahead and damn the torpedoes. I've posted my "dorky home made" crafts on my blog, and I have to say I like what I see on yours.

I fid that photos of the real ships are a much better guide than detailed plans. You can really tell what gets noticed and what doesn't matter so much.

Heck and critics are always free to put their money where their mouths are and demonstrate their superior modelling skills.

PD

David Crook said...

Hi PD,

Most of my models have been built 'on the fly' so to speak with never a scale plan in sight! I will take at look at your models - it is always good to see how people translate raw material into something tangible!

All the best,

DC